Photoaging, Vascular Lesions, and Pigmentation

The Cornerstone of Any Cosmetic Laser Practice

By Christopher Zachary, MBBS, FRCP

Lasers have without question revolutionized the practice of dermatology, permitting clinicians to treat conditions for which no medical therapies exist or offering results that exceed those of conventional therapeutics. From medical conditions like acne and rosacea to cosmetic rejuvenation, laser systems can address a variety of the most common presentations that bring patients to the dermatologist’s office.

Given their remarkable utility, well-designed and manufactured lasers can be a tremendous asset to dermatologists. Yet, often physicians are overwhelmed by the prospect of incorporating laser procedures into practice. Technology is costly, and there may be a tremendous sense of pressure to attract patients and, as important, provide treatment that meets their goals. There may also be a learning curve, as residency programs currently offer little training in aesthetic dermatology, and such training was virtually non-existent even 10 years ago.

Clinicians seeking to initiate or expand a laser dermatology practice must assess their own interests and skills, patient demand, and the key considerations that guide device selection and purchase.

Many dermatologists find success by focusing on medical as well as cosmetic indications, such as acne and rosacea, dyschromia, erythema, telangiectases, and fine wrinkling. With this broader approach, the clinician is able to keep her or his practice flexible. Many of the best-respected names in aesthetic medicine will tell you that a portion of their practice remains focused on traditional medical dermatology. A flexible approach may suit the clinician’s interest, and it likely reflects the level of demand for service on the local level.

Selecting a laser system can be a challenge. Key to success is to disregard the hype. Many lasers have come to the market backed with flashy campaigns to the public and the medical community, making exaggerated claims of efficacy and applicability. From a practice development standpoint, it comes down to weighing the costs—upfront and ongoing/financial and timewise—against the likely returns. It rarely makes sense for a physician to take a gamble on costly new technologies with uncertain efficacy and appeal, when tried and true systems can be acquired (often for less). Alternatively, low-priced systems can appeal to the frugal practice, but if a system is underpriced, it probably underperforms.

The initial investment in a system purchase is an important consideration, but it doesn’t account for everything. How much time do procedures take? How many patients can be treated in a period of time? Will time be wasted on set up? Will consumables and maintenance lead to costly bills?

Dermatologists establishing or growing their laser practices can benefit significantly from the wisdom of their experienced and successful colleagues. That’s what the following pages provide. Some of the best-respected minds in aesthetic dermatology share their expertise about two laser systems—Gemini® and VariLite™—from an established market leader in laser aesthetics: IRIDEX. As thousands of physicians have learned, success in laser medicine is built on a strong foundation of tried-and-true procedures using triedand- true laser systems.

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Photoaging, Vascular Lesions, and Pigmentation

The Cornerstone of Any Cosmetic Laser Practice

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